Pendulum inclinometer



y 1950 R. 1 R. COCKERELL 2,505,884

PENDULUM INCLINOMETER Filed Nov. 6, 1945 INVENTOR'. RONALD L. R.COCKERELL,

ATTORNEYS Patented May 2, 1950 PENDULUIVI INCLINOMETER Ronald L. R.Cockerell, Regina, Saskatchewan,

Canad Application November 6, 1945, Serial No. 626,966

3 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to inclinometers and is more particularlyconcerned with pendulous devices of this character which are providedwith scales to indicate degrees of inclination.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a device of thecharacter mentioned, which is of simpler, more compact and lessexpensive construction than prior devices.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the characterreferred to, with novel, simple means for clamping the rotary, angleindicator at any desired point for a quick reading.

With the foregoing and other objects and advantages in view, theinvention consists of the novel construction and arrangement of partshereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating the invention,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the device with a portion of casingbroken away,

Figure 2 is a top plan view with a portion of casing and enclosed discin section,

Figure 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view on the line 3-3 ofFigure 2 with the rim of the scale carrying disc broken away to show themounting of the pendulous weight,

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail side elevation of the disc shaft withdisc mounting in section,

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section of pendulous weight.

Like munerals in the description and drawings designate the same partsof construction.

The invention comprises a steel straight edge I of suitable length andwidth, with a bottom machined to a plane surface adapted to bepositioned on any object whose inclination is to be determined.

Upon this straight edge and supported by the upright arms of suitablebrackets 2, either integral or welded in place, is the cylindricalcasing 3 which has its axis parallel to the plane bottom of the straightedge element or base I The bracket arms are bifurcated at the top toreceive threaded pivot screws 4 and 5. These are provided with conical,coaxial journal bearings adapted to contain the conical ends of the discjournal or shaft 6. The pivot screws 4 and 5 are made preferably ofsapphire jewel, but casehardened steel may be employed if desired. Locknuts I on the exterior of the brackets adjustably secure the shaft andcase in position.

Secured to the middle of shaft 6 is the hub of a thin disc 8 which isprovided on the perimeter with an annular band or rim 9 which iscentered thereon and projects laterally. The disc and rim are ofsuitable diameter and width respectively to partially rotate withincasing 3 with clearance all around.

Scribed on the eriphery of the rim 9, or otherwise suitably displayedthereon, are degree scales l0, reading degrees in opposite directionsfrom a fiducial point, or zero at the top. The disc carries in anysuitable manner, at a point opposite the fiducial mark, a pendulousweight II which serves to return the scales to zero. This fiducial markis perpendicular to the axis of disc 8.

To read the scales at the top of the rim, the casing 3 is provided witha window 12 having a glass bearing a hair line registering normally withthe fiducial mark. Casing 3 is provided, preferably on its peripherywith a push button l3 and pin projecting through with a felt pad I4 onits inner end which serves to stop the disc at any desirable point for aquick reading of the scale. A coil spring it on the pin returns the pushbutton to normal position.

A pivotal catch IS on the outside of the easing adjacent button 13 isprovided to hold same down and lock the disc against rotation when notin use.

The pendulous weight I I has a slot I la therein which receives the disc8 radially of the latter and the rim 9 is fitted over the disc 8 andweight II, the latter being received in a longitudinally positioned slotHb in the inner face of the rim. The weight ll may be secured to thedisc 8 and the rim 9 by soldering, if desired.

One side 3a of casing 3 is removable to permit the installation of disc8 and components.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

1. An inclinometer comprising a base having a pair of fixed parallelarms rising therefrom, a cylindrical casing positioned between said armsand formed with a viewing opening in its peripheral wall, axial bearingmeans on said casing having outer portions supportably engaging therelated arms and maintaining said casing in fixed relation to said armsand said base, said axial bearing means having inner portions projectinginto said casing from opposite sides thereof, a pendulum axle positionedbetween and having its ends journalled in said inner portions, a diskfixed on said axle intermediate its ends and in spaced relation to theopposite sides of said casing, a cylindrical calibrated rim fixed on theperiphery of said disk with its side edges position to said arms andsaid base, said axial bearing means having inner portions projectinginto said casing from opposite sides thereof, a, pendulum axlepositioned between and having its ends journalled in said innerportions, a disk fixed on said axle intermediate its ends and. in spacedrelation to the opposite sides of said casing, a cylindrical calibratedrim fixed on the periphery of said disk with its side edges positionedclose to the sides of the casing and with its calibrations visiblethrough said viewin opening, and a pendulum weight fixed to said disk,said pendulum weight comprising a plate formed with a slot openingthrough an edge thereof and receiving the peripheral edge of said diskwith; substantial portions of said plate positioned on opposite sides ofsaid disk and with said plate. arranged radially on said disk, and meansecuring said pendulum weight in place,

3. An inclinom'eter comprising a base'ha-vin a pair of fixed parallelarms risingtherefrom, a cylindrical casing positioned between said armsand formed with a viewing opening in its peripheral wall; axial bearingmeans on said casing having outer portions supportabl'y engaging therelated arms and maintaining said casing in fixed relation to said.armsand said base, said axial bearing means having inner portionsprojecting into said casing from opposite sides thereof, a pendulum axlepositioned between and having its ends journalled in said innerportions, a disk fixed on said axle intermediate its ends and in spacedrelation to the opposite sides of said casing, a cylindrical calibratedrim fixed on the periphery of said disk with its side edges positionedclose to the sides of the casing and with its calibrations visiblethrough said viewing opening; and a pendulum weight fixed to said disk,said bearing means comprising bolts each having a pair of nuts thereonand said arms being formed with vertical slots receiving said bolts withone of said pair of nuts positioned between the related arm and theadjacent side of the cylindrical casing and the other nut positioned onsaid bolt at the outer side of the related arm to act as a clamping nutfor securing the related bolt in place in the arm slot and securing thebolt against turnin relative to said one nut, said bolts beingadjustable endwise relative to said pendulum axle with said other nutsloosened to adjust the engagement of said inrlier bearing portionsrelative to the ends of said ax e;

RON-ALDL. R'. COCKERELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 221,380 Winter Nov. 4, 18791,230,258 Wood June 19, 1917 1,366, Sperry n Jan. 25, 1921 1,533,961Ziegler 1 Apr. 14, 1925 1,597,960 Eltag Aug. 31', 1926 2,022,452Aegerter Nov. 26, 1935

